WITS (Working in the Schools) is the largest literacy nonprofit providing mentorship to students and professional development to teachers in Chicago public elementary schools. WITS’ approach to promoting literacy prioritizes the goals of individual students, teachers, and schools so that their success is meaningful and lasting. We believe that all students - regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, citizenship, or ability - deserve the space to be themselves.

WITS sets students on a trajectory for success by building critical literacy skills and developing positive self-identity through teacher led professional development and volunteer powered mentorship programs. WITS recognizes that structural racism, housing discrimination, and resource disparities prevent school communities from reaching their full potential. We strive to use our funding, energy, and time to support students and educators in achieving their literacy goals. Each year, our combined volunteer and teacher professional development investments in Chicago Public Schools (CPS) are valued at $3.4 million.

WITS connects people across real and perceived boundaries. Cultivating relationships between diverse groups of people builds empathy and understanding Together, we are a community of readers who find strength in sharing stories, and perspective.

WITS staff must adhere to our core values: Mission Focused, Accountability, Teamwork, Communication, Leadership:

• Team members acknowledge that WITS is the sum of our parts and work holistically across program and development departments to ensure the success of the organization.
• Team members set clear expectations, adhere to deadlines, deliver high-quality work, and provide and accept honest feedback; they take ownership of their own performance.
• Team members support their colleagues on projects by understanding their role and being organized, prepared and proactive.
• Team members communicate with timeliness, clarity, and appropriate frequency.
• Team members assert and champion their own expertise.

WITS is a small organization doing big work and that requires team members to take on projects outside department or role-specific expectations. Examples of the type of work you will do include but are not limited to:

• Writing blogs and creating content for WITS marketing and communications.
• Supporting the WITS team in coordination of, as well as attend, after-hours events each year. Signature Events - Required Attendance - Blackboard Affair, Community Celebration, Annual Meeting, Rochelle Lee Teacher Award Showcase, WITS Talks, 1 Study Hall, December Board Meeting & Holiday Party, 1 Thank-a-thon.
• Regularly updating and maintaining assigned WITS data and metrics.
• Participating in professional development.

We know there are great candidates who might not check all these boxes or who possess important skills we haven’t thought of. If that’s you, don’t hesitate to apply and tell us about yourself. WITS encourages members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply, including people of color, LGBTQ+ people and people with disabilities.